DIAGNOSTICS/SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX
page page
Automatic Shut Down (ASD) Relay............ 8
Camshaft Position Sensor Test............... 8
Crankshaft Position Sensor Test.............. 9
Distributor Cap........................... 9
Distributor Rotor......................... 10
DRB Scan Tool.......................... 10
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Test...... 12
General Information........................ 8
Ignition Coil............................. 11
Ignition Secondary Circuit Diagnosis.......... 12Ignition Timing........................... 14
Intake Manifold Air Temperature Sensor Test . . . 14
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Test . 14
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)................ 19
Oxygen Sensor Tests..................... 19
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)............ 15
Spark Plug Secondary Cables............... 17
Spark Plugs............................ 16
Throttle Position Sensor Test............... 18
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section of the group, Diagnostics/Service Pro-
cedures, will discuss basic ignition system diagnos-
tics and service adjustments.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera-
tion section of this group.
For removal or installation of ignition system com-
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa-
tion section of this group.
For other useful information, refer to On-Board Di-
agnostics in the General Diagnosis sections of Group
14, Fuel System in this manual.
For operation of the DRB Scan Tool, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures ser-
vice manual.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN (ASD) RELAY
Refer to RelaysÐOperation/Testing in the Group
14, Fuel System section of this service manual.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TEST
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor on all engines.
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
2.5L OR 4.0L ENGINE
For this test, an analog voltmeter is needed.Do
not remove the distributor connector from the dis-
tributor. Using small paper clips, insert them into
the backside of the distributor wire harness connec-
tor to make contact with the terminals. Be sure that
the connector is not damaged when inserting the pa-
per clips. Attach voltmeter leads to these paper clips.
(1) Connect the positive (+) voltmeter lead into
the sensor output wire. This is at done the distribu-
tor wire harness connector. For wire identification,
refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.(2) Connect the negative (-) voltmeter lead into the
ground wire. For wire identification, refer to Group
8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(3) Set the voltmeter to the 15 Volt DC scale.
(4) Remove distributor cap. Rotate (crank) engine
with starter until pulse ring (Fig. 1) enters the mag-
netic pickup on camshaft position sensor. Distributor
rotor should be pointed in 9 o'clock position. The
movable pulse ring should now be within the sensor
pickup.
(5) Turn ignition key to ON position. Voltmeter
should read approximately 5.0 volts.
(6) If voltage is not present, check the voltmeter
leads for a good connection.
(7) If voltage is still not present, check for voltage
at the supply wire. For wire identification, refer to
Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 1 Pulse Ring/Rotor PositionÐTypical
8D - 8 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
(8) If voltage is not present at supply wire, check
for voltage at pin 7 of Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) 60-way connector. Leave the PCM connector
connected for this test.
(9) If voltage is still not present, perform vehicle
test using the DRB scan tool.
(10) If voltage is present at pin 7, but not at the
supply wire:
(a) Check continuity between the supply wire.
This is checked between the distributor connector
and pin 7 at the PCM. If continuity is not present,
repair the harness as necessary.
(b) Check for continuity between the camshaft
position sensor output wire and pin 44 at the PCM.
If continuity is not present, repair the harness as
necessary.
(c) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit wire at the distributor connector and ground.
If continuity is not present, repair the harness as
necessary.
(11) While observing the voltmeter, crank the en-
gine with ignition switch. The voltmeter needle
should fluctuate between 0 and 5 volts while the en-
gine is cranking. This verifies that the camshaft po-
sition sensor in the distributor is operating properly
and a sync pulse signal is being generated.
If sync pulse signal is not present, replacement of
the camshaft position sensor is necessary.
For removal or installation of ignition system com-
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa-
tion section of this group.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera-
tion section of this group.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TEST
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures man-
ual. To test the sensor only, refer to the following:
The sensor is located on the transmission bellhous-
ing at the left/rear side of the engine block (Figs. 2, 3
or 4).
(1) Near the rear of intake manifold, disconnect
sensor pigtail harness connector from main wiring
harness.
(2) Place an ohmmeter across terminals B and C
(Fig. 5). Ohmmeter should be set to 1K-to-10K scale
for this test. The meter reading should be open (no
resistance). Replace sensor if a low resistance is indi-
cated.
For removal or installation of ignition system com-
ponents, refer to the Component Removal/Installa-
tion section of this group.
DISTRIBUTOR CAP
INSPECTION
Remove the distributor cap and wipe it clean with
a dry lint free cloth. Visually inspect the cap for
cracks, carbon paths, broken towers, or damaged ro-
tor button (Figs. 6 and 7). Also check for white de-
posits on the inside (caused by condensation entering
the cap through cracks). Replace any cap that dis-
plays charred or eroded terminals. The machined
surface of a terminal end (faces toward rotor) will in-
dicate some evidence of erosion from normal opera-
tion. Examine the terminal ends for evidence of
mechanical interference with the rotor tip.
If replacement of the distributor cap is necessary,
transfer spark plug cables from the original cap to
the new cap. This should be done one cable at a time.
Each cable is installed onto the tower of the new cap
that corresponds to its tower position on the original
cap. Fully seat the cables onto the towers. If neces-
Fig. 2 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.5L
EngineÐTypical
Fig. 3 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐAll
Except YJ models With Auto. Trans.
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 9
(4) Using insulated pliers, hold the cable terminal
approximately 12 mm (1/2 in.) from the engine cylin-
der head or block while rotating the engine with the
starter motor. Observe the spark plug cable terminal
for an arc. If steady arcing occurs, it can be expected
that the ignition secondary system is operating cor-
rectly. If steady arcing occurs at the spark plug ca-
bles, but the engine will not start, connect the DRB
scan tool. Refer to the Powertrain Diagnostic Proce-
dures service manual for DRB operation.
FAILURE TO START TEST
To prevent unnecessary diagnostic time and wrong
test results, the previous Checking For Spark test
should be performed prior to this test.
WARNING: SET PARKING BRAKE OR BLOCK THE
DRIVE WHEELS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS
TEST.
(1) Unplug the ignition coil harness connector at
the coil (Fig. 14).
(2) Connect a set of small jumper wires (18 gauge
or smaller) between the ignition coil and coil electri-
cal connector (Fig. 15).
(3) Determine that sufficient battery voltage (12.4
volts) is present for the starting and ignition sys-
tems.
(4) Crank the engine for 5 seconds while monitor-
ing the voltage at the coil positive terminal:
²If the voltage remains near zero during the entire
period of cranking, refer to On-Board Diagnostics in
Group 14, Fuel Systems. Check the powertrain con-
trol module (PCM) and auto shut down relay.
²If voltage is at near battery voltage and drops to
zero after 1-2 seconds of cranking, check the cam-
shaft position sensor-to-PCM circuit. Refer to On-
Board Diagnostics in Group 14, Fuel Systems.
²If voltage remains at near battery voltage during
the entire 5 seconds, turn the key off. Remove the60-way connector (Fig. 16) from the PCM. Check 60-
way connector for any spread terminals.
(5) Remove test lead from the coil positive termi-
nal. Connect an 18 gauge jumper wire between the
battery positive terminal and the coil positive termi-
nal.
(6) Make the special jumper shown in Figure 17.
Using the jumper,momentarilyground terminal-19
of the 60-way connector. A spark should be generated
at the coil cable when the ground is removed.
(7) If spark is generated, replace the powertrain
control module (PCM).
(8) If spark is not seen, use the special jumper to
ground the coil negative terminal directly.
(9) If spark is produced, repair wiring harness for
an open condition.
Fig. 14 Coil Harness ConnectorÐTypical
Fig. 15 Coil TerminalsÐTypical
Fig. 16 PCM 60-Way Connector
Fig. 17 Special Jumper Ground-to-Coil Negative
Terminal
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 13
COMPONENT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
INDEX
page page
Automatic Shut Down (ASD) Relay........... 20
Camshaft Position Sensor.................. 20
Crankshaft Position Sensor................. 21
Distributor.............................. 23
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.......... 22
General Information....................... 20
Ignition Coil............................. 26Intake Manifold Air Temperature Sensor....... 27
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor..... 27
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor..................... 28
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)............ 28
Spark Plug Secondary Cables............... 29
Spark Plugs............................ 28
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).............. 29
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section of the group, Component Removal/In-
stallation, will discuss the removal and installation
of ignition system components.
For basic ignition system diagnostics and service
adjustments, refer to the Diagnostics/Service Proce-
dures section of this group.
For system operation and component identification,
refer to the Component Identification/System Opera-
tion section of this group.
AUTOMATIC SHUT DOWN (ASD) RELAY
The ASD relay is installed in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) (Fig. 1). Relay location is printed
on the PDC cover.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the PDC cover.
(2) Remove the relay by lifting straight up.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check the condition of relay wire terminals at
PDC before installing relay. Repair as necessary.
(2) Push the relay into the connector.
(3) Install the relay cover.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the distributor. Refer to Distributor
Removal.
(2) Remove the distributor rotor.
CAUTION: Do not position the distributor in a vise
when removing or installing the drive gear roll pin.
Support the distributor with wooden blocks.
(3) Mark the position of the gear and the shaft in
line with the roll pin. The gearMUSTbe installed
back to its original position on the distributor shaft.
(4) Using a small pin punch and hammer, remove
the distributor gear roll (spring) pin (Fig. 3).
(5) Lightly tap the end of the distributor shaft un-
til distributor gear and thrust washer are removed.
(6) Slide the distributor shaft out of the distributor
housing.
(7) Remove the camshaft position sensor mounting
screw and positioning arm (Fig. 4).
(8) Slide the wire harness grommet out of the dis-
tributor housing. Remove the camshaft position sen-
sor.
Fig. 1 PDCÐXJ Models
Fig. 2 PDCÐYJ Models
8D - 20 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the camshaft position sensor in the
distributor housing. Place the wire harness grommet
into the opening in the distributor housing.
(2) Install retaining arm and retaining screw.
(3) Install distributor shaft into distributor hous-
ing. Make sure the upper thrust washer is installed
on the shaft.
(4) Position thrust washer and drive gear on dis-
tributor shaft.
(5) Note the previousCAUTIONand install dis-
tributor drive gear roll pin.
(6) Install rotor.
(7) Install distributor.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The crankshaft position sensor is mounted in thetransmission bellhousing at the left/rear side of the
engine block (Figs. 5, 6 or 7).
On all 2.5L and 4.0L engines (except YJ models
with an automatic transmission and 4.0L engine) the
sensor is attached with two bolts. The 2.5L engine,
when equipped with an automatic transmission, will
have the sensor mounted with two nuts.
On YJ models with a 4.0L engine and automatic
transmission, the sensor uses a single slotted hole to
adjust its depth. A paper/cardboard type spacer with
self-adhesive (Fig. 7) is attached to the bottom of the
sensor to set this depth. After the engine has been
started (and after sensor installation), this temporary
spacer will be sheared off. New factory replacement
sensors are equipped with this spacer. If the original
sensor is to be reinstalled, such as with transmission
and/or flywheel removal, a new spacerMUSTbe in-
stalled.
Fig. 3 Distributor GearÐRemoval/Installation
Fig. 4 Camshaft Position Sensor
Fig. 5 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ2.5L
EngineÐTypical
Fig. 6 Crankshaft Position SensorÐ4.0L EngineÐAll
Except YJ models With Automatic Transmission
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 21
INSTALLATION
(1) Install coolant temperature sensor into the
thermostat housing. Tighten to 28 Nzm (21 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(2) Connect the wire connector.
(3) Fill the cooling system. Refer to group 7, Cool-
ing System.
DISTRIBUTOR
All distributors contain an internal oil seal that
prevents oil from entering the distributor housing.
The seal is not serviceable.
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor on all engines (Fig. 9).
Refer to Fig. 9 for an exploded view of the distrib-
utor.
REMOVALÐ2.5L ENGINE
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable at the
battery.
(2) Disconnect coil secondary cable at coil.
(3) Remove distributor cap from distributor (2
screws). Do not remove cables from cap.
(4) Disconnect the distributor wiring harness from
the main engine harness.
(5) Scribe a mark on the distributor housing in
line with the tip of the rotor. Note the position of the
rotor and distributor housing. This is in relation tothe surrounding engine components as reference
points for installing the distributor.
(6) Remove the distributor holddown bolt and
clamp.
(7) Remove the distributor from engine by lifting
straight up. Remove and discard old distributor-to-
engine block gasket. Note that the rotor will rotate
slightly in a counterclockwise direction while lifting
up the distributor. Note this position after removal.
INSTALLATIONÐ2.5L ENGINE
ENGINE NOT ROTATED AFTER REMOVAL
This procedure assumes that the engine was not ro-
tated with distributor out of engine.
(1) Clean the distributor mounting hole area of the
engine block.
(2) Install a new distributor-to-engine block gas-
ket.
There is a fork on the distributor housing where
the housing seats against the engine block. The slot
in the fork aligns with the distributor holddown bolt
hole in the engine block. The distributor is correctly
installed when the rotor is correctly positioned. This
is with the slot in the fork aligned with the hold-
down bolt hole in the cylinder block. Because of the
fork on the distributor housing, initial ignition tim-
ing is not adjustable (the distributor cannot be rotat-
ed).
(3) Position the distributor shaft in the cylinder
block. If the engine was not rotated while the distrib-
utor was removed, perform the following:
²Align the rotor tip with the scribe mark on the
distributor housing during removal. Turn the rotor
approximately 1/8-turn counterclockwise past the
scribe mark.
CAUTION: Be sure that the distributor shaft fully
engages into the oil pump drive gear shaft. It may
be necessary to slightly rotate (bump) the engine.
This is done while applying downward hand force
on the distributor body. It should fully engage the
distributor shaft with the oil pump drive gear shaft.
²Slide the distributor shaft down into the engine.
It may be necessary to move the rotor and shaft
(slightly) to engage the distributor shaft with the slot
in the oil pump shaft. The same may have to be done
to engage the distributor gear with the camshaft
gear. However, the rotor should align with the scribe
mark when the distributor shaft is down in place.
²Install the distributor holddown clamp and bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the distributor cap (with the ignition ca-
bles) on the distributor housing (Fig. 10). Tighten
distributor cap holddown screws to 3 Nzm (26 in. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Connect the distributor wiring harness to the
main engine harness.
Fig. 9 DistributorÐ2.5L/4.0L EnginesÐTypical
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 23
CAUTION: Do not puncture the spark plug cables or
boots to make the connection. Use proper adapters.
(6) Connect battery cable to battery.
ENGINE ROTATED AFTER REMOVAL
There is a fork on the distributor housing where
the housing seats against the engine block. The slot
in the fork aligns with the hole for the distributor
holddown bolt in the engine block. The distributor is
correctly installed when the rotor is correctly posi-
tioned. This is when the slot in the fork is aligned
with the hole for the distributor holddown bolt in the
cylinder block. Because of the fork on the distributor
housing, initial ignition timing is not adjustable (the
distributor cannot be rotated).
(1) If the engine was rotated while the distributor
was removed, it will be necessary to establish timing
according to following procedure:
²Remove the No. 1 spark plug. Hold a finger over
the spark plug hole and rotate the engine until com-
pression pressure is felt. Slowly continue to rotate
the engine. Do this until the timing index on vibra-
tion damper pulley aligns with top dead center (TDC)mark (0 degree) on timing degree scale. Always ro-
tate the engine in direction of normal rotation. Do
not turn the engine backward to align the timing
marks.
²Using a flat blade screwdriver, rotate the oil pump
gear. Do this to position the gear slot on the oil
pump shaft slightly before the 11 o'clock position
(Fig. 11).
²With the distributor cap removed, install the dis-
tributor with the rotor located just past the 2 o'clock
position (Fig. 12).
²When distributor is fully engaged in its correct lo-
cation, the rotor should be just past the 3 o'clock po-
sition (Fig. 13).
²Install the distributor holddown clamp and bolt.
Tighten the holddown bolt to 23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.)
torque.
CAUTION: If the distributor cap is incorrectly posi-
tioned on distributor housing, the cap or rotor may
be damaged when engine is started.
(2) Install the distributor cap (with ignition cables)
on the distributor housing. Be sure that the cap fits
securely on rim of the distributor housing.
(3) Connect the distributor wiring harness to the
main engine harness.
CAUTION: Do not puncture the spark plug cables or
boots to make the connection. Use proper adapters.
REMOVALÐ4.0L ENGINE
The distributor used in the 4.0L engine contains an
internal oil seal that prevents oil from entering the
distributor housing. The seal is not serviceable.
Fig. 11 Align Oil Pump Gear SlotÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 10 Spark Plug Cable PositionsÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 12 Distributor InstallationÐ2.5L Engine
8D - 24 IGNITION SYSTEMSJ
The camshaft position sensor is located in the dis-
tributor on all engines (Fig. 9).
Refer to figure 9 for an exploded view of the dis-
tributor.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable at bat-
tery.
(2) On XJ models equipped with A/C, remove the
electrical cooling fan and shroud assembly from the
radiator. This will provide room to turn the engine
with a socket and ratchet using the vibration damper
bolt.
(3) Scribe a mark on the distributor housing. Do
this below the left side of (past) the number one
spark plug cable post of the distributor cap. This will
be used as a reference for #1 cylinder firing position
(Fig. 14).
(4) Remove the distributor cap from distributor (2
screws).
(5) Turn the engine in a clockwise direction until
the rotor is approaching the scribe mark on the dis-
tributor housing. Then slowly turn the engine until
the timing mark on the crankshaft vibration damper
lines up with zero on the front cover timing scale
(Fig. 15).
The timing mark is on the edge of the vibra-
tion damper closest to the engine front cover.
(6) Align the trailing edge of the rotor blade with
the scribe mark on the distributor housing (Fig. 16).
(7) Remove the distributor holddown bolt and
clamp.
(8) Remove the distributor from the engine by lift-
ing straight up. Remove and discard old distributor-
to-engine block gasket. Note that the rotor willrotate slightly in a counterclockwise direction while
lifting up the distributor. Note this position after re-
moval.
INSTALLATIONÐ4.0L ENGINE
(1) Clean the distributor mounting area of the cyl-
inder block.
(2) Install a replacement distributor-to-engine
block gasket.
(3) Using a flat blade screwdriver, turn the oil
pump gear shaft. Do this until the slot is slightly
past the 11 o'clock position (Fig. 17).
Fig. 13 Distributor Rotor PositionÐ2.5L EngineFig. 14 Mark Distributor Housing
Fig. 15 Align Timing Marks
JIGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 25